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Florida State Park free app available to visitors

Kayakers paddle in the headwaters of the Rainbow River at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon in this Aug. 12, 2011 file photo.

Bruce Ackerman/Star-Banner

The Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 10:08 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 10:08 a.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Planning the perfect outdoor trip in Florida? A free Florida State Park app can help you find a nearby camp site as it tracks your trails and sends you weather alerts.

The Florida Park Service announced Wednesday a partnership with ParksByNature Network and PocketRanger.com to provide the free smartphone app.

An interactive guide offers visitors a list of amenities, facility maps, directions, a calendar of events and a built-in compass. Users can plan their trip using their GPS location to find parking and nearby locations for hiking, camping, boating, birding and more. You can also track and record trails, mark waypoints and find your friends.

On Monday, visitors to most state parks can show the app downloaded on their phone to get in for free.

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